Quick Answer
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Crossword clue: “Desert plant used in tequila production”
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Answer: AGAVE – 5 letters
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Clue number and direction: 2 Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Desert plant used in tequila production” is answered with AGAVE in 5 letters. In the grid, it appears as AGAVE going down.
Why AGAVE Is the Right NYT Answer
Tequila is legally defined as a spirit made primarily from the blue agave plant, so when a clue mentions “plant used in tequila production,” AGAVE is the precise match. The “desert plant” wording points to a succulent adapted to arid climates, which agave is.
For the February 12, 2026 NYT Mini, 2-Down is confirmed as AGAVE in multiple answer rundowns, and its letters line up perfectly with Across entries MARG, CIGAR, AMAZE, LEVEE, and DESK, confirming A‑G‑A‑V‑E at every crossing.
What AGAVE Means
In plain English, agave is a spiky-leaved succulent plant native to hot, dry regions, especially Mexico and the southwestern U.S. Certain agave species—most famously blue agave—are used to make tequila and related spirits.
So the clue is just a straightforward description: a desert plant that tequila is made from, which can only be AGAVE.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
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When you see “plant used in tequila” or “tequila source,” AGAVE should be your first thought, and BLUE AGAVE if a longer entry is needed.
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The “desert plant” + alcohol combo is a very strong nudge toward AGAVE over other succulents like aloe or cacti.
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Use crossings: if you already have A_A_E or _GAVE from other answers, AGAVE becomes almost certain.
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Keep agave in mind for related clues too, like “sweetener plant” (AGAVE syrup) or “succulent in Mexican spirits.”
How AGAVE Fits the Grid
For 2-Down, the grid provides a 5-letter vertical slot, matching AGAVE exactly. The pattern looks like:
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AGAVE(A‑G‑A‑V‑E)
Each letter is backed by Across answers:
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A with MARG.
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G with CIGAR.
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A with AMAZE.
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V with LEVEE.
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E with DESK.
Because all intersections form valid words, AGAVE is the only answer that fits both clue and crossings.
Other Ways AGAVE Might Be Clued
AGAVE appears frequently in crosswords in clues like:
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“Tequila plant”
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“Plant used to make mezcal”
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“Source of a trendy syrup”
All of these point back to the same versatile desert succulent.
Complete February 12, 2026 NYT Mini Answers Today (Across & Down clues and answers)
Here are the key answers from the February 12, 2026 NYT Mini to help you complete the full grid.
Across
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila cocktail that often comes in a salt-rimmed glass, casually | MARG | 4 |
| Signature export of Cuba | CIGAR | 5 |
| Bowl over | AMAZE | 5 |
| Flood regulator | LEVEE | 5 |
| Classroom station | DESK | 4 |
Down
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Acted without saying anything | MIMED | 5 |
| Desert plant used in tequila production | AGAVE | 5 |
| Demolishes | RAZES | 5 |
| Language from which we get “cosmos” and “democracy” | GREEK | 5 |
| Berkeley campus, for short | CAL | 3 |
